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OLD BUSINESS: <br /> MISSION OF THE SHELLFISH DIVISION AND WATER QUALITY <br /> Mr. Thomas led the discussion on the Mission Statement. <br /> - There was a concern raised that the mission of the Shellfish Commission is <br /> perceived as focusing solely on cleaning water, which is disputed as being a <br /> byproduct, not the sole purpose <br /> - There is a consensus among several members that the primary mission is to grow <br /> shellfish sustainably and enforce regulations,with water quality improvement being <br /> a direct benefit <br /> o Co-Chair Cook weighed in and stated that the Shellfish Department's priority is to <br /> (1) grow one thing to enforce regulations; and(2) grow shellfish sustainably and <br /> be sure that the shellfish can be harvested,particularly oysters. Co-Chair Cook <br /> went on to say that the byproduct of that is they serve a purpose while they are <br /> alive in the water,but he believes that the mission of the Shellfish Commission is <br /> not just the total emphasis on cleaning water. <br /> - TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Load) <br /> o Reference to a "Comprehensive Nitrogen Mitigation Plan" that was initiated <br /> over 10 years ago, previously under Rick York, emphasizing shellfish use for <br /> TMDL reduction pending Town sewering. <br /> ■ Mr. Avis stated that the Nitrogen Comprehensive Plan that came out 10 <br /> years ago when Rick York was Constable. At that time, the direction of <br /> the Comprehensive Nitrogen Mitigation Plan was to utilize shellfish to <br /> reduce the TMDLs in the estuaries. Plan B was to, when the sewer system <br /> came in, then those TMDLs would be reduced. <br /> ■ The Sewer Commission is using these TMDLs and looking at how they <br /> are going to eventually reduce the mitigation of nitrogen, etc. Co-Chair <br /> Cook stated that he lives on Mashpee River and said that it is in bad shape <br /> and he does not know how many million oysters would need to be raised <br /> during the growing season in the river to do something. Mr. Avis and Co- <br /> Chair Cook discussed the different points of the Comprehensive Nitrogen <br /> Mitigation Plan and how to mitigate the TMDLs, outlets for oysters and to <br /> grow what can be removed from the water. As Co-Chair Cook pointed out, <br /> that is the whole idea of nitrogen removal. Mr. Avis pointed out that it is <br /> his understanding that the Shellfish Commission and the Constable have <br /> some responsibility to raise shellfish in certain areas. <br /> o Discussion emphasized that, as sewering becomes widespread, the shellfish <br /> program's water-cleaning role may diminish correspondingly <br /> o Mr. Avis noted that, as the Shellfish Constable, he is directed by the TMDL <br /> and Nitrogen Mitigation plan adopted by the Select Board, requiring an <br /> effort to mitigate nitrogen via shellfish placement, especially in embankments <br /> such as Mashpee River, Shoestring and others. <br /> ■ Members expressed skepticism about the feasibility and effectiveness, <br /> especially given the immense oyster numbers purportedly needed <br /> (20M) compared to what can be realistically sustained and removed. <br /> 2 <br />